Nibbles & Dreams: Dreaming Up Delicious Recipes, One Nibble at a Time.

Yields: 6 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound andouille sausage, sliced 5 slices bacon, chopped 1 large onion, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped 2 celery stalks, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce 1 cup chicken broth 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice, uncooked Instructions: Cook bacon and sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside on paper towels, reserving the bacon grease in the pot. Add the andouille sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside with the bacon. Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Combine ingredients: Return the cooked sausa...

Yields: 6 servings Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs whole carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch thick diagonal slices 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup honey 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional) Instructions: Cook carrots: Place carrots in a large pan and add 1 1/4 cups of water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Drain any excess water. Make glaze: Add butter, honey, and salt to the pan. Stir to coat the carrots thoroughly. Glaze carrots: Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a glaze has formed. Serve: Sprinkle with parsley (if desired) and serve immediately. Tips & Variations: Add flavor: For a touch of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of ground ginger to the glaze. Make it savory: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly more savory flavor. Roast them: Roast the carrots before glazing for a deeper caramelization....

Yields: 4-6 servings, Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 40 mins, Total Time: 55 mins Ingredients: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, halved 3 cups butternut squash, cut into 1/2-inch chunks 2/3 cup dry quinoa 1 medium pomegranate, deseeded 1/2 cup pecans, chopped 1 small orange, juiced (about 1/4 cup) 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon hemp seeds (optional) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Instructions: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roast vegetables: Place Brussels sprouts on one side of the pan and butternut squash on the other. Roast for 25 minutes. Remove Brussels sprouts and place in a large bowl. Return squash to the oven for 15-20 more minutes, until tender. Add to the bowl with Brussels sprouts. Cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve. Heat a small saucepan over medium heat; add quinoa. Cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly toasted. Add 1 1/3 cups water; bring to a boil. Cover and cook for 13-15 minutes, until fluffy. Make dre...

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 16   Ingredients: 1 loaf French bread ½ cup salted butter, softened 3 tablespoons olive oil 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional) Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Combine butter, olive oil, garlic, and parsley in a small bowl. Mix well. Cut the bread in half lengthwise. Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly on the cut sides of the bread. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if using. Place the bread halves on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and toasted. Cooking time can vary from oven to oven with this, so check around the 8 minute mark. Cut into slices and enjoy! Tips:   Prep Ahead: Prepare the bread and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking.   Freeze: Prepare the bread, wrap it in aluminum foil, and f...

Looking for a quick and healthy side dish? This oven roasted asparagus recipe is for you! It's simple to make with just a few ingredients, and it takes less than 20 minutes to cook. The asparagus is perfectly tender and flavorful, making it a great addition to any meal. Yield: 4 servings Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 12-20 minutes Ingredients: 1 pound asparagus, trimmed 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Instructions: Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with foil (optional but makes for easier clean up). Arrange the asparagus in a single layer on the baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss the asparagus to coat it evenly with the oil and seasonings. Roast the asparagus for 8-11 minutes for thin stalks, 12-15 minutes for average stalks, or 16-20 minutes for thick stalks, or until crisp-tender. The roasting time will va...